The landmark State of Nature 2023 report has been published today (Thursday 28 September 2023), providing a benchmark for the status of wildlife in the UK and the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.
Production of the report has involved a partnership of over 60 organisations that are directly involved with nature conservation evidence and/or delivery.
The report uses the latest and best available evidence, generated from monitoring schemes and biological recording, many of which are supported by thousands of skilled volunteers. This evidence is crucial in providing a good understanding of how the natural environment is faring and why, as well as how effective nature conservation and recovery action can be.
On publication of the report, JNCC's Chief Scientist, Dave Stone, said:
“The evidence produced by species-based monitoring schemes, which JNCC has supported and invested in for over 30 years, is fundamental in underpinning the information presented in this latest State of Nature report. These schemes involve thousands of volunteers, whose expertise takes your breath away, and this report demonstrates the vital role they play in helping us all understand what is happening to nature in all parts of the UK and UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.
“Over the past few years, there have been many advances, and traditional schemes are now complemented by many new techniques and methods, including the use of satellite technology, and modelling and analyses, which have revolutionised environmental monitoring. These advances and developments enable us to sharpen the picture of how nature is faring, as well as to measure progress and target action to help nature recover. State of Nature 2023 highlights how clear that picture now is.
“Environmental monitoring underpins our work to integrate nature into decisions, advise on policy to progress nature recovery, and innovate and advance our learning. Looking forward, the evidence generated will be crucial in informing our understanding of progress on Global Biodiversity Framework targets across the UK. JNCC plans to maintain or even grow investment in species' monitoring, providing sustained support for citizen scientists to continue to produce valuable evidence about the state of the nature.”
For more information, visit the State of Nature website and read our latest blog post by our Chief Scientist, Dave Stone, on behalf of the Chief Scientists' Group of the statutory nature conservation bodies.
Published: